Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Nantucket man identified as an associate of the 18th Street Gang was sentenced on March 6 in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl and cocaine.
John Angel, 32, received a two-year prison sentence from United States District Judge Myong J. Joun, followed by three years of supervised release. Angel had pleaded guilty in November to two counts related to the distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
According to court records, between March and July 2024, Angel met with a cooperating witness three times, selling approximately 117 grams of fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine, and a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun for over $7,000. On March 27, Angel arranged a meeting in East Boston where he sold about 50 grams of powder fentanyl. Later that summer on July 10 in Nantucket, he sold more fentanyl along with cocaine. During these transactions, Angel reportedly boasted about his status as a high-level supplier connected to the gang and displayed large quantities of drugs. At one meeting he also sold the handgun and claimed he could obtain machinegun conversion devices known as "switches."
The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years up to lifetime supervised release, and fines up to $1 million. Sentencing is determined by federal guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the sentencing along with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case involved assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies across Massachusetts.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159 aimed at combating criminal cartels and transnational gangs operating within the United States.
